JP2000276977A - Operation knob structure for switch and rear power- window switch device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation knob structure for a switch, allowing the operation of the switch to be conducted from the upper and under two sides, not causing a hindrance to operability by adapting the switch operation from the under side to be similar to the switch operation from the upper side, and provide a rear power-window switch for a vehicle, easily operated by a front- seat occupant when no body is in rear seats, and easily operated by a rear-seat occupant when a rear seat is occupied. SOLUTION: This structure is made up by assembling an operation knob 6 of a switch 5 on a support member 3 to that it can be turned and operated centering around a support shaft as a fulcrum 0, the operation knob 6 has point-symmetrical operating parts 61, 62, and the operating parts 61, 62 of the operation knob 6 are exposed to upper and under surfaces of the support member 3. The operation knob 6 is of the type operated by pushing/pulling the operating parts 61, 62. When such a structure of the operation knob 6 is used as a rear power-window switch 5, the operation knob 6 is assembled on the front side of an arm rest 3 or of a console cover 3 so that it can be operated from the upper and under two sides thereof.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation knob structure of a switch which can be operated from both front and rear directions, and a switch using such an operation knob structure, which is operated by front and rear occupants of a vehicle. The present invention relates to a rear power window switch device that enables both of them.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a vehicle such as a passenger car having front and rear power windows is provided with a power window switch at each door, and all power window switches are integrated to provide a driver side door or a center console. It is provided in the front part of. Further, as a low cost vehicle, there is a vehicle in which a front power window switch is provided on a front door, and a rear power window switch is provided on a rear end of a center console.

Instead of a conventional switch knob for opening and closing the power window by pushing the front or rear portion with a fingertip, the power window switch is provided with directivity for vertically operating with the fingertip in accordance with the opening and closing direction of the power window. Switch knobs are now mainstream.

[0004]

As described above, when the rear power window switches are arranged side by side at the rear end of the center console, the operability of both front and rear occupants is very low. It was bad. In other words, when the occupant sitting in the front seat operates the rear power window switch, it is necessary to bend the arm backward and extend it to the rear end of the center console. It was hard to operate. Also, when the passenger sitting in the rear seat operates the rear power window switch, it is difficult to reach the center console.

[0005] From such a viewpoint, it is conceivable to make the armrest rotatable to the rear seat side and to provide a rear power window switch on the front side of the armrest so as to be operable from both directions. However, when opening and closing the rear power window by tilting the armrest to the rear seat side, the operation direction of the switch knob on the rear upper surface of the inverted armrest is normally set to the front of the armrest used by tilting it to the front seat side If the operation direction is opposite to that of the switch knob on the upper surface, it is easy for the user to mistakenly open and close the power window when the user is sitting in the rear seat, and the operation becomes difficult.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a switch operation knob structure in which switch operation can be performed from both front and back sides and switch operation from the back side is the same as switch operation from the front side so that operability is not impaired. Is to provide. According to the present invention, when there is no occupant in the rear seat, the operation by the occupant sitting in the front seat is easy, and when the occupant is in the rear seat, the operation by the occupant sitting in the rear seat becomes easy. Another object is to provide a rear power window switch device for a vehicle.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a structure in which an operation knob of a switch is mounted on a support member so as to be rotatable about a support shaft as a fulcrum. The operation knob has a point-symmetric operation unit, and the operation unit of the operation knob is exposed on the front and back surfaces of the support member.

[0008] Here, the form of the operation knob of the switch includes a type in which the front and rear parts are pressed with a fingertip, and a type in which directivity for up and down operation is provided.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the point-symmetric operation parts of the operation knob assembled to be rotatable with respect to the support member are respectively exposed on the front and back surfaces of the support member. Because of the structure, the operation part exposed on the front and back surfaces of the support member of the operation knob can be operated to perform the switch operation from both front and back directions. And since the operation part of the operation knob is point-symmetrical, switch operation from the back side can be performed in the same manner as switch operation from the front side, and operability from the back side is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation knob structure of the switch according to the first aspect, wherein the operation knob is of a type that pushes and pulls an operation section.

As described above, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the operation knob of the first aspect is operated by pushing and pulling, the power window switch of the vehicle can be used as a directional switch which is currently mainstream. It is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including an armrest positioned between a driver's seat and a passenger seat and rotatable toward a rear seat, and a rear power window switch for the rear seat. The rear power window switch has an operation knob structure according to the first or second aspect, and is characterized in that an operation knob is mounted on the front side of the armrest so as to be operable from both front and rear directions.

Thus, according to the third aspect of the present invention, an armrest located between a driver's seat and a front passenger's seat and rotatable to a rear seat side is provided on a front side of the first or second aspect. Since the operation knob of the rear power window switch with the operation knob structure is operable from both front and back directions,
When there is no occupant in the rear seat, the occupant sitting in the driver's seat and front passenger's seat on the front seat can easily operate the rear power window switch by operating the operation part of the operation knob on the front side of the armrest located immediately beside it can. If there is an occupant in the rear seat, rotate the armrest to the rear seat side and tilt it down, so that the occupant sitting in the rear seat extends the front side and operates the operation part of the operation knob on the rear side of the armrest To easily operate the rear power window switch. As in the first aspect of the invention, the switch operation from the back side can be performed in the same manner as the switch operation from the front side, and the operability from the back side is good, so the opening and closing direction of the rear power window by the occupant on the rear seat side. Erroneous operation can be prevented.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a center console box installed between a driver's seat and a passenger seat is hinged to the center console box at a rear end so as to be rotatable and can protrude toward the rear seat. A vehicle having a console cover and a rear power window switch for a rear seat, wherein the rear power window switch has an operation knob structure according to claim 1 or 2, and an operation knob is provided on the front side of the console cover. It is characterized in that it can be operated from both directions. For example, the console cover may also serve as an armrest.

As described above, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the center console box installed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle can be hinged at the rear end so as to be rotatable and can protrude toward the rear seat. The operation knob of the rear power window switch having the operation knob structure according to claim 1 or 2 is mounted on the front side of the console cover so as to be operable from both front and rear directions. An occupant sitting in the driver's seat and the passenger's seat can easily operate the rear power window switch by operating the operation section of the operation knob on the front side of the console cover located immediately beside. If there is an occupant in the rear seat, rotate the console cover to the rear seat side and tilt it down, so that the occupant sitting in the rear seat extends to the front side and the operation section of the operation knob on the rear side of the console cover To operate the rear power window switch easily. And like the invention of claim 1,
Since the switch operation can be performed from the back side in the same manner as the switch operation from the front side, and the operability from the back side is good, it is possible to prevent the occupant on the rear seat side from erroneously operating the opening and closing direction of the rear power window.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a switch operation knob structure and a rear power window switch device for a vehicle according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
First, FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a center console box provided with a console cover also serving as an armrest as an example to which the present invention is applied. FIGS. 2 and 3 are arrows AA and arrows in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view along each BB line. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the console cover of FIG. 1 is tilted to the rear seat side, and FIG.
It is an expanded sectional view along the -C line. 1 to 5, reference numeral 1 denotes a center console box, 2 denotes a hinge, 3 denotes a console cover (armrest), 4
Is a mounting hole, 5 is a rear power window switch, 6 is an operation knob, 7 is a switch unit, 8 is a harness, and 9 is a cup holder.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a console cover 3 is rotatably mounted at the rear end of the center console box 1 at the rear end thereof by a hinge 2 at the upper surface opening. The console cover 3 is also used as an armrest for an occupant sitting on a driver's seat and a passenger seat (not shown) installed on both sides of the center console box. As shown in FIG. A state in which the vehicle is tilted substantially horizontally toward a rear seat (not shown) can be obtained. As shown in FIG. 1, left and right mounting holes 4, 4 penetrating in the vertical direction are formed in the front part of the console cover 3 in a state where the upper opening of the center console box 1 is closed. These left and right mounting holes 4, 4
Are rear power window switches 5 and 5.

That is, left and right operation knobs 6 and 6 are provided inside the left and right mounting holes 4 and 4, respectively. The left and right operation knobs 6 and 6 are rotatably provided on a switch unit 7 incorporated in the console cover 3 so as to surround the installation holes 4 and 4. Therefore,
The console cover 3 also serves as a support member for the rear power window switch 5. Specifically, the mounting hole 4 is
As shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface (front surface) of the console cover 3
Of the console cover 3 and a recess 42 continuous with the rear side of the lower surface (back surface) of the console cover 3. The recesses 41 and 42 on both the front and back sides are for inserting a fingertip.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation knob 6 has its center O
Is installed so as to be rotatable around a fulcrum. The operation knob 6 is, as shown in FIG.
An operation section 61 located toward the recess 41 on the front side and an operation section 62 located toward the recess 42 on the back side of the console cover 3 are formed in a point-symmetrical shape. The switch unit 7 is connected with a harness 8 that connects a power supply line and a signal line between a power supply (not shown) and a controller and a motor on the rear window side. Further, in the example shown in FIG.
Is provided with a cup holder 9 on the back surface thereof.

Thus, according to a vehicle such as a passenger car in which the rear power window switches 5 and 5 are provided at the front portion of the console cover 3 so that the rear power window switches 5 and 5 can be operated from both front and rear directions, when there is no occupant in the rear seat, FIG. As shown in the figure, the console cover 3 is overlaid on the center console box 1, and the occupants sitting on the driver's seat and the passenger seat on both sides of the console cover 3 are located immediately beside the front of the console cover 3 also serving as an armrest. The rear power window switches 5, 5 on the side can be easily operated. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, a fingertip is inserted from above into the concave portion 41 on the upper surface (front surface) of the console cover 3 on the center console box 1, and the operation portion 61 of the operation knob 6 is moved as indicated by an arrow U, as shown in FIG. Push up,
Alternatively, as shown by arrow D, the front window occupant can open and close the rear window by pulling down and operating vertically.

When there is an occupant in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 4, the console cover 3 is turned to the rear seat side to fall down, so that the occupant sitting in the rear seat is turned almost horizontally. Console cover 3 extended to just before the rear seats
The rear power window switches 5, 5 at the rear can be easily operated. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a fingertip is inserted from above into the concave portion 42 on the upper surface (back surface) of the console cover 3 in a state where the console cover 3 is tilted to the rear seat side, and the operation unit 62 of the operation knob 6 is moved by the arrow U.
By pushing up or down as shown by arrow D and operating vertically, as shown by, the rear window is raised without raising the waist while the front occupant is almost in a sitting position. Can be easily opened and closed. In this state, a fingertip can be inserted from below into the concave portion 41 on the lower surface of the console cover 3 to push and pull the operating portion 61.

As described above, as the rear power window switch 5 provided on the console cover 3, the operating knobs 6 are operated by operating the operating sections 61, 62 respectively located in the recesses 41, 42 on the front and rear surfaces of the console cover 3. The switch can be operated on the console cover 3 from both sides. Since the operation units 61 and 62 of the operation knob 6 have a point-symmetrical shape, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, switch operation from the back side can be performed in the same manner as switch operation from the front side. That is,
Operability from the back side is good. Therefore,
This prevents erroneous operation of the opening and closing direction of the rear power window by the occupant on the rear seat side.

When the occupant in the rear seat moves left and right, the console cover 3 is returned to the state in which the console cover 3 is overlaid on the center console box 1 as shown in FIG. . When the rear seat is equipped with a center armrest, the height of the console cover 3 when it is tilted rearward is almost equal to the height of the rear center armrest, so that the rear seat occupant puts his arm on the center armrest. Thus, the operation knob 6 at the rear of the console cover 3 can be easily operated. The operation knobs 6 and 6 are respectively disposed inside the left and right mounting holes 4 and 4 of the console cover 3, and the switch unit 7 is disposed on the same surface in the console cover 3 so as to surround the mounting holes 4 and 4. Therefore, the console cover 3 can be made thinner.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the structure of an integral type operation knob. As shown in the figure, the operation knob 6 is formed by integrally molding point-symmetric operation parts 61 and 62 with a resin and has a central portion. Has a support shaft insertion hole 64, and has space portions 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d divided into four in the circumferential direction. Thus, the support shaft insertion hole 64 and the space portions 65a, 6
5b, 65c, 65d, operation unit 6 having a point-symmetrical shape
The operation knobs 1 and 62 may be of the integral type.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the structure of a split type operation knob. As shown, the operation knob 6 includes an operation knob half 66 having one operation part 61 and another operation part 62. The operation knob half 67 having a hole 66a, 67a formed in the upper and lower operation knob halves 66, 67 with protrusions 63a, 63a provided in the diameter direction with respect to the support shaft 63.
Into the operation unit 61 having a point-symmetrical shape.
62 are integrated. In this manner, the split type operation knob 6 in which the operation knob halves 66 and 67 having the point-symmetric operation parts 61 and 62 are assembled to the support shaft 63 may be used. In this case, normal directional switch components can be used as the operation knob halves 66 and 67.

In the above embodiment, the console cover also serves as an armrest. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a single armrest or a single console cover may be used. In addition, the shape and configuration of the armrest, console cover, and switch knob are arbitrary, and the specific detailed structure and the like can be appropriately changed. Further, in the embodiment, the operation knob structure is applied to the rear power window switch. However, the operation knob structure may be applied to another power window switch, and is not limited to the power window switch and the vehicle. It may be applied to other switches and applications.

[0027]

As described above, according to the switch operation knob structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, the point-symmetric operation portion of the operation knob that is rotatably mounted on the support member is supported. Since the members are exposed on the front and back surfaces, respectively, the operating portions of the operation knob exposed on the front and back surfaces of the support member can be operated to perform switch operations from both front and back directions,
In addition, since the operation portion of the operation knob has a point-symmetrical shape, the switch operation from the back side can be performed in the same manner as the switch operation from the front side, and therefore, good operability from the back side can be obtained.

According to the operation knob structure of the switch according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the operation portion is pushed and pulled, the power window switch of the vehicle is used as a directional switch which is currently mainstream. can do.

According to the rear power window switch device for a vehicle according to the third aspect of the present invention, when there is no occupant in the rear seat, the occupant sitting in the front driver's seat and the front passenger's seat can be turned sideways. The rear power window switch can be easily operated by operating the operation section of the operation knob on the front side of the armrest that is located, and if there is an occupant in the rear seat, rotate the armrest to the rear seat side. By falling down, the occupant sitting in the rear seat can easily operate the rear power window switch by operating the operation section of the operation knob on the rear side of the armrest that extends toward the front. Moreover, as in the first aspect of the present invention, the switch operation from the back side can be performed in the same manner as the switch operation from the front side, and the operability from the back side is good, so that the opening and closing of the rear power window by the occupant on the rear seat side. An advantage is obtained that erroneous operation of the direction can be prevented.

According to the rear power window switch device for a vehicle according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when there is no occupant in the rear seat, the occupant sitting in the driver's seat in the front seat and the passenger's seat can be turned sideways. The rear power window switch can be easily operated by operating the operation section of the console knob located on the front side of the console cover, and if there is an occupant in the rear seat, the console cover is rotated to the rear seat side By tilting the rear cover, the occupant sitting in the rear seat can easily operate the rear power window switch by operating the operation section of the operation knob on the rear side of the console cover that extends toward the front. Moreover, as in the first aspect of the present invention, the switch operation from the back side can be performed in the same manner as the switch operation from the front side, and the operability from the back side is good, so that the opening and closing of the rear power window by the occupant on the rear seat side. An advantage is obtained that erroneous operation of the direction can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration example of a center console box provided with a console cover also serving as an armrest as an example to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the console cover of FIG. 1 is tilted to a rear seat side.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an integrated operation knob.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a split type operation knob.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 center console box 2 hinge fitting 3 console cover (armrest; support member) 4 mounting hole 41, 42 recess 5 rear power window switch 6 operating knob 61, 62 operating section 63 support shaft 7 switch unit

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 6, 1999 (1999.4.6)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

When there is an occupant in the rear seat, as shown in FIG. 4, the console cover 3 is turned to the rear seat side to fall down, so that the occupant sitting in the rear seat is turned almost horizontally. Console cover 3 extended to just before the rear seats
The rear power window switches 5, 5 at the rear can be easily operated. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a fingertip is inserted from above into the concave portion 42 on the upper surface (back surface) of the console cover 3 in a state where the console cover 3 is tilted to the rear seat side, and the operation unit 62 of the operation knob 6 is moved by the arrow U.
As, or pushed indicated, or, as indicated by arrow D, and or decrease, by operating in the vertical direction, the rear window rear seat occupant without increasing the hips remain substantially sitting position Can be easily opened and closed. In this state, a fingertip can be inserted from below into the concave portion 41 on the lower surface of the console cover 3 to push and pull the operating portion 61.

Claims (4)

[Claims] An operating knob having a point symmetrical operating portion, wherein the operating knob of the switch is mounted on the supporting member so as to be rotatable about a supporting shaft as a fulcrum. The switch operation knob structure, wherein the portions are exposed on the front and back surfaces of the support member, respectively. 2. The operation knob structure for a switch according to claim 1, wherein the operation knob is of a type that pushes and pulls an operation section. 3. A vehicle comprising an armrest located between a driver's seat and a passenger seat and rotatable toward a rear seat, and a rear power window switch for a rear seat, wherein the rear power window switch is provided. 3. The rear power window switch device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the operation knob is mounted on the front side of the armrest so as to be operable from both front and rear sides. 4. A center console box installed between a driver's seat and a passenger seat, a console cover rotatably hinged to a rear end of the center console box and projecting toward a rear seat, And a rear power window switch, wherein the rear power window switch has an operation knob structure according to claim 1 or 2, and an operation knob is mounted on a front side of the console cover so as to be operable from both front and rear directions. A rear power window switch device for a vehicle, characterized in that: